THE CUNARD Building is 100 years old this weekend, but instead of getting a telegram from the Queen - it's being graced with a visit instead.
From the floating sort anyway.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will sail up the Mersey tomorrow morning (Saturday) at around 7.15am. She will remain berthed at Liverpool’s Cruise Terminal until around 10.15pm when she departs to a backdrop of fireworks.
Expect a day on the waterfront marked by military bands, pomp and circumstance to salute the middle of the Three Graces, now, among other things, the main HQ of Liverpool City Council.
Flag waving, the singing of Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory is being encouraged as the Royal Marines Band, Liverpool Welsh Choral and opera singer Danielle Thomas perform for the masses.
The first concert will take place at 2.30pm until around 3.15pm, and then will be repeated 9.30-10.15pm, finishing just before the boat gets off.
In a more permanent reminder of the centenary, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden will join the ship's captain Inger Klein Olsen (first ever female captain of Cunard ship) to unveil a 160 ft long granite bench which stretches the full length of the Cunard Building. That's one hell of a worktop length.
Facing the Strand side of the building, it features a piece of artwork called The Journey which uses bronze illustrations and writing to chart the history of Cunard, from 1839 to the present day.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Liverpool loves a party, and we couldn’t let this centenary pass without a fitting celebration.
“The arrival of Queen Elizabeth once again on the Mersey will, as always, be a spectacular sight and the significance of the date is a real nod to the role Liverpool, and the Cunard Building itself, has played in Cunard’s history.
“The arrival of a Cunard vessel in to the city always draws a crowd, so we wanted to make sure that we put on an event so people can feel part of the celebrations."
If the British weather stops play, there is a chance to dive into the Cunard Building itself and be one of the first people to visit the brand new exhibition dedicated to The Jam. About The Young Idea opens to the public this weekensd and is packed full with never-before-seen archives and memorabilia.
Added Wendy Simon: “With more plans in the pipeline, there is a real sense that we are opening up the building once again for the public, and hopefully can attract a raft of new audiences who can make the most of this waterfront gem.”
Eton Rifles out everyone!
*Tickets for The Jam exhibition will cost up to £9.50, with discounts at off-peak times. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.nicetimeinc.com
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